As a tendency toward formalism returns to architecture, a number of practitioners are investigating the outer limits of tectonic expression. Vanguard architects are extending the boundaries of conventional construction to respond specifically to programmatic and site requirements. This book presents four practices whose buildings push poetic construction to new extremes: Enric Miralles (Barcelona), Gunter Behnisch (Stuttgart), Mecanoo (Delft), and Patkau Architects (Vancouver).